Your opinions on which film camera to sell?

Graham_Martin · Jun 21, 2012

I currently own two Nikon DSLRs, two Nikon film (F100, FM2) and a Mamiya 645. 90% plus of my shooting is digital, and I use the film cameras when I want to take a more deliberate approach. I really don't need to keep three film cameras. My dilemma is which camera to sell. I am leaning toward selling the Mamiya for the following reasons:

I very rarely have very large prints made
Lab processing of MF film is more expensive than 35mm
35mm film is easier to find than 120 or 220 (although I have about 30 rolls still in my fridge)
I can use the same Nikon lenses, except G, on all my Nikon cameras
The Nikon film cameras are lighter to carry than the Mamiya

About the only real advantage to keeping the Mamiya seems to me is the greater image detail afforded by the larger negative.

Do these arguments make sense? I would be interested in hearing differing opinions.

Roger Cole · Jun 22, 2012

Probably make sense for you. For me it might depend on what my lens collection was like. I have a Mamiya 645 Pro and thought it might supplant much of 35mm but so far it hasn't, mainly because I have only the one normal prime lens for the Mamiya. I find I still use my Yashicamat more than the 645.

OTOH, your reason for shooting film is to take a more deliberate approach and MF gives you that more than 35mm which is much closer to digital in shooting speed. (My 645 with its winder and 15 shots per roll or 30 on 220 isn't all that "deliberate" though - when I want deliberate the 4x5 comes out.)

Depending on which Mamiya you have it may or may not take interchangeable backs. I find that, or multiple 35mm bodies, invaluable for having different film available. I normally care three 35mm bodies when I'm shooting 35mm. I could do fine with one if I didn't want to have different kinds of film loaded and ready. So if yours is the earlier 645 system without interchangeable backs, that's another reason to sell it and keep the Nikons - you can have a couple of kinds of film loaded in the two bodies and switch at need with the same lenses. That matters a lot to me but might not to you.

Bill Burk · Jun 22, 2012

I wouldn't sell any.

I use 4x5 and 120 more these days, I have my desire for high resolution to blame for that.

So I would keep the medium format for sure.

I would sell 35mm first, but not if I only had two bodies and a variety of lenses that fit. One body goes out and you are stuck.

Stay put.

narsuitus · Jun 22, 2012

If I were forced to sell one of my three remaining film cameras, I would sell the extra 35mm body. That way, I would still have one small format body and one medium format body.

In your case, you would sell the medium format camera because you are already leaning in that direction, plus, in your user profile, even though you belong to three medium format groups and one 35mm group, you identify yourself as a 35mm shooter.

mablo · Jun 22, 2012

Nikon G-lenses can be used with the F100 (FX at least but I know people who use DX lenses too) so I'd leave this one. FM2 is also a nice addition for foul weather situations.

thegman · Jun 22, 2012

If you only use film for more "deliberate" shots, then I'd definitely stick with MF. In terms of print size, if you never go beyond 10x8, then may as well just stick with 35mm. In that case, I'd keep the FM2, just because I prefer older cameras generally.

John Austin · Jun 22, 2012

You almost answered yourself in the form of the question - Let that help you decide - Ignore all opinions on APUG apart from mine

Uncle Bill · Jun 22, 2012

If it were my camera bag and I had to lighten the load so to speak, I would part company with the F100. If you're running with two DSLRs I'm speculating one of them is full frame and the other is a cropped sensor, you have the whole autofocus, high speed side of things covered. If you truly want to slow down then the FM2 and the 645 will do that for you. Contrary to popular opinion medium format film is still readily available from the usual suspects. Granted if this was really my kit I would get rid of the 645 too and go 6x6 square.

benjiboy · Jun 22, 2012

Unless you're desperate for the money I wouldn't sell any of them.

mopar_guy · Jun 22, 2012

benjiboy said:
Unless you're desperate for the money I wouldn't sell any of them.

+1

bdial · Jun 22, 2012

I'll be contrarian here and suggest you sell the 645 according to the logic you've laid out. It does have a bigger negative, but it's not that much bigger. IMHO you aren't getting the benefits of MF that you might with a 6x6 or 6x7 camera. In general, your Nikon lenses easily make up the difference in image quality that the 645 gives you.
Not that the 645 is a slouch, they are fine cameras, but if you're looking to simplify, downsize, generate some money, whatever, if it's not filling a need, there is no harm in moving on.

It's not like there are no other MF cameras you could buy in the future, if you're inclined. There are all sorts of directions you could go in to use your 120 film stash. For example, folders, holgas, 645, 6x6, 6x7 and 6x9's of all sorts are waiting to be tried out.

hoffy · Jun 22, 2012

John Austin said:
You almost answered yourself in the form of the question - Let that help you decide - Ignore all opinions on APUG apart from mine

I agree - you have kind of already answered you're own question.

If it were me, though, I would keep the MF, the most versatile of the two film camera's and sell the other.

Graham_Martin · Jun 22, 2012

Thank you for all your great responses. In answer to Roger Cole, I have the Mamiya 645 1000s which does not have interchangeable backs. Although I haven't found that to be a major issue I have occasionally rushed to finish off a roll so that I can put in a different type of film. Between the F100 and the FM2 I enjoy using the latter more.

Richard S. (rich815) · Jun 22, 2012

If 90% PLUS of your work is already digital then sell all the film cameras. Just be more deliberate with your digital work. If you're satisfied enough with it for more than 90% of the time you should be able to do that .

Graham_Martin · Jun 22, 2012

rich815 said:
If 90% PLUS of your work is already digital then sell all the film cameras. Just be more deliberate with your digital work. If you're satisfied enough with it for more than 90% of the time you should be able to do that .

While I have no doubt that I could be satisfied enough to use digital 100% of the time, I liken my situation to one who has two or three cars. While they may use their sedan/SUV for 90% of their driving they sometimes enjoy taking the stick-shift convertible or 1957 Chevy out for a spin. The SUV is the most practical, but the other two make for a more satisfying driving experience.

hoffy · Jun 22, 2012

Graham_Martin said:
While I have no doubt that I could be satisfied enough to use digital 100% of the time, I liken my situation to one who has two or three cars. While they may use their sedan/SUV for 90% of their driving they sometimes enjoy taking the stick-shift convertible or 1957 Chevy out for a spin. The SUV is the most practical, but the other two make for a more satisfying driving experience.

I think we have just found the post of the year! Made me smile

Richard S. (rich815) · Jun 22, 2012

The last thing I consider my photography to be is practical. In that case then pretend you were being forced to live on a deserted island for twenty years and could only take one film camera. Which would grab if you had 30 seconds to decide? Sell the other two. "Let's go! We have to leave now! Just grab one!"

Graham_Martin · Jun 22, 2012

I would take the FM2.

wblynch · Jun 22, 2012

Sell that F100 and bank the $$

Richard S. (rich815) · Jun 22, 2012

wblynch said:
Sell that F100 and bank the $$

F100 on KEH for $170-$230 or so. Not going for such big bucks anymore.....this is why I've been keeping most of my older cameras. Barely worth selling.

waynecrider · Jun 22, 2012

I sold my Mamiya 645 years back, didn't like it. My main cameras are a FT2 Nikkormat and a Micro 4/3rd's. I say sell one DSLR and keep only one Nikon film camera, and it doesn't have to be something you have now. Trade down maybe to a more manual version.

John_Nikon_F · Jun 22, 2012

Graham,

With how little film gear is going these days, it might not be worth selling anything, unless it's absolutely mint. My latest FM2n was a camera I got for $60. It's not in the greatest condition, but is completely useable. If I were going on KEH's scale, I'd probably rate it at the low end of BGN grade. Almost ugly.

-J

Graham_Martin · Jun 22, 2012

I think there is a lot of truth to the comments that it is hardly worth selling film gear for the little amount one can get for it. I'm sure there are some exceptions such as Leica and Hasselblad. A lot of good manual focus glass seems to be either keeping its value or, in some cases, actually increasing. A case in point would be the Nikon 500mm f/4 P.

Ken Nadvornick · Jun 22, 2012

Keep the camera(s) that help you produce your most satisfying work?

Ken

36cm2 · Jun 22, 2012

Turn on, tune in, drop out. Sell the dslrs and buy a 4x5. If you're addicted to pixels, buy a scanner too. :munch:

Your opinions on which film camera to sell?

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